Miami murder suspect caught in Hillsborough County

Juan Vera, a convicted felon wanted for a murder in Miami, was awaiting extradition in Hillsborough County to Miami-Dade County. (HCSO, FDOC)

TAMPA, Fla. – A 60-year-old suspect wanted in Miami for a fatal shooting earlier this month was awaiting extradition Friday in Hillsborough County.

Deputies reported arresting Juan Vera, a convicted felon, shortly before 4:10 p.m., on Thursday, after finding his car parked in Tampa.

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“When someone is wanted for a violent crime, it becomes a priority for all of us regardless of jurisdiction,” Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.

According to the Miami Police Department, police officers found a man dead and a woman injured on June 4, at Northeast First Avenue and Sixth Street.

Officer Michael Vega, a spokesman for MPD, and James Blum, a friend of the victim, said the shooting was in a homeless encampment.

Blum described the victim as a “really nice guy” who was “outgoing” and generous. He described the shooting as a hit over a $1,000 debt.

Vera, who had a Miami-Dade County warrant out for his arrest, was at the Orient Road Jail.

Local 10 News Assignment Editor Carson Merlo contributed to this report.


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